Compatible consumables are legal, but not beneficial

The printer consumables market is constantly under pressure as users want products at lower prices and are prepared to buy any brand from anyone, if they can save money on the transaction.

"While there is nothing wrong with trying to save money - which business has not tightened its belt over the past few years - cutting corners on consumables can be a classic case of pennywise/pound foolish," says Neil Rom, MD of Printacom, local Oki representative.

When the decision has been made not to buy brand consumables purely for price reasons, users have two options: they can turn to counterfeit or compatible products.

"Counterfeit products are illegal," Rom states. "They are designed to look like original brand products, but are sold for less and made with inferior materials. Buyers often think they are getting a good deal because of the lower prices and believe they are buying the real thing. Of course, there are those users who know their consumables are counterfeit, but pretend ignorance and buy them anyway to save a few pennies."

What generally happens is that these consumables are used, successfully at first, and the business thinks it`s scored a bargain. Unfortunately, these products cost less because they are made from cheaper materials and via the quickest manufacturing process possible - which always delivers quality problems.

The result is these consumables break at the first opportunity and companies are left with a damaged printer and a void warranty. "And then the bargain does not look that fantastic anymore," adds Rom.

Some buyers are aware of the counterfeit dangers and therefore go the compatible route. Compatible consumables are legal alternatives and are usually cheaper than branded products.

"But as with counterfeit you get what you pay for," Rom asserts.

"Compatible products are inferior as the manufacturers are given to cutting corners to save money. The result is a consumable created from inferior materials and without the stringent manufacturing standards of the original."

Compatibles may sometimes last longer than counterfeits, but the poor construction will also damage the printer over the long-term, leaving the user out of pocket.

"Nobody will argue that original branded consumables are more expensive than the alternatives," continues Rom. "But there is a reason for that: quality. The cost of a printer can never be judged on the cost of consumables and purchase price alone, but must include all the long-term costs - including warranties and the lifetime service of the machine.

"When these costs are all calculated into the total cost of ownership over the life of the printer, cheap consumables can turn into an expensive long-term error."